PREVIEW: Leyton Orient

Swindon Town welcome League One high flyers Leyton Orient to the County Ground to play under the lights on Tuesday night.

Many Swindon Town fans will remember that Leyton Orient beat Oxford United 3-2 on the last day of the 2005/06 season to relegate Oxford to the then Nationwide Conference. It was also a day where Swindon Town were playing Huddersfield at the County Ground and with Swindon already relegated to League 2, Town fans were chanting “ORRRIEENNNTT” all game hoping that Orient would relegate our friends down the A420.

Current Swindon Town star Craig Easton who was a fan favourite at Leyton Orient was the man to score the first goal against Oxford that faithful day.

Easton left Orient for Swindon in the Summer after many expected him to sign for a Championship side.

Another familiar face will return to the County Ground as Martin Ling who played for Town on 2 seperate occasions returns as manager of Leyton Orient.

Vital Quotes:

‘Leyton Orient are a tough side to face and I have decisions to make in terms of selection, but that’s something I will think about over the weekend.’

Swindon Town manager Paul Sturrock

Swindon Town Team News:

Swindon Town will be hoping to reverse their fortunes Tuesday night after losing 2-1 twice in 2 weeks to both Port Vale and Doncaster Rovers. Christian Roberts could be set to return to Town’s starting XI after poor performances from Sofiene Zaaboub and JP McGovern on Saturday.

Player to watch: Craig Easton

Craig Easton will be a familiar name to Orient fans. Easton turned down a new contract at Orient in the Summer and most fans expected him to join a Championship club however he chose to be reunited with Paul Sturrock at Swindon. Easton scored 5 goals in 71 appearances for Orient and will be looking to beat his former club.

Leyton Orient Team News:

Leyton Orient currently sit pretty in second in the League One table. Orient have been somewhat of a surprise package this season with many expecting the team to be relegated after coming close last season and losing so many key players over the Summer. Orient beat Oldham Athletic on Saturday thanks to an early strike from Charlie Daniels who is on loan from Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur.

Player to watch: Adam Boyd

The ever dangerous Boyd arrived at Brisbane Road in the Summer from relegated Luton Town. Boyd has scored 6 goals so far this season in all competitions. Only 2 seasons ago Boyd scored 28 goals in all competitions for Hartlepool United in League One and will certainly be out to cause Swindon more misery.

Match Facts & Stats

Swindon Town have a lifetime 24-20-23 record against Leyton Orient in all competitions. The last time the 2 clubs played each other the end result was a 1-1 draw at Leyton Orient. Matt Lockwood scored for Orient whilst Mark Walters got on the scoresheet for Town.

Ref Watch:

M.P Russell has been named as the referee for this fixture. A.R Hendley and D.J Phillips will be his assistants whilst A Matthews has been named as the fourth official.

Match Prediction:

Swindon Town 1, Leyton Orient 3, Town have been very poor as of late and we cannot see our form improving over three days. We are hopeful that Town can surprise us though as our home form has been brilliant up until Saturday’s defeat to Doncaster Rovers.